Save the Date for these Five Events Happening this December in Chandler, AZ

Fun and exciting things are happening this December! With Chandler's mild winter weather, it's a great time to be outdoors and this month is looking festive with five not to be missed events all taking place right here in Chandler, AZ! While it may be no surprise that many have a decidedly winter holiday theme and a number ofholiday events occurring at our primary shopping centers, there are a number of arts and cultural events taking place this month as well. For a full list of events, be sure to visit the website for more information!

Nutcracker - Ballet Etudes 29th Anniversary

Chandler Center for the Arts

250 N. Arizona Avenue(480) 782-2683 Now through December 6, 2015

An annual tradition at the Chandler Center for the Arts, the whole family will enjoy Ballet Etude's annual production of The Nutcracker. Clara's magical journey comes to life before your eyes and ears with swirling snowflakes, dancing confections and imaginative costumes along with Tchaikovsky's traditional score. For the curiously minded, backstage tours are available following most of the performances.

Chandler Family Bird Walk

Enjoy Chandler's mild winter weather and join the Desert Rivers Audubon society for their monthly, guided bird walk. Starting at 8:00 a.m. and departing every 15 minutes from their display tent, attendees will learn from the experts about the more than 150 species of birds that call Veterans Oasis Park home. The free tours last approximately 45 minutes and Desert Rivers Audubon provides loaner binoculars, Bird Bingo Cards for the kids and will have a number of field guide books and nature items for sale at their display tent, near the parking lot.

Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights

Downtown Chandler

South of Chandler Blvd. on Arizona AvenueDecember 5, 2015; from 4:30 - 9 p.m.; the Parade is at 7 p.m.

Undoubtedly, the holidays officially kick off in Chandler at the quintessentially southwestern Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lightsheld the first Saturday in December. This annual, festive tradition dates back to 1957 and draws visitors from far and wide to see this wonderful tree of tumbleweeds adorned with paint, lights and glitter. Enjoy a full line up of fun and activities at this free holiday event which starts at 4:30 p.m. and includes a number of featured dance and music performances on the stage along with planned activities. Family activities include photos with Santa at Santa's house, an opportunity to make and take a holiday ornament, pony rides, laser tag and more. Inflatables will also be present in a defined area, for a nominal charge. The parade starts at 7 p.m. and runs through Downtown Chandler on a pre-identified route with recommended parking, click here for the map! Immediately following the parade, the Tumbleweed Tree is lit! If you miss the official lighting, never fear, the tree will light up Downtown Chandler through early January.

Sonoran Sunset Concert

Pack a dinner, or grab it on the way and bring a blanket or two and enjoy an evening of music at December's Sonoran Sunset Concert at Veteran Oasis Park. Held at the lakeside amphitheater, this event is fun for the whole family and offers a great evening everyone will enjoy as Arizona's premier variety band, The Real Big Thing takes the stage. The event will be held rain or shine, but in case of inclement weather, the performance would be moved indoors to the Environmental Education Center located onsite at the park.

Ugly Holiday Sweater Art Walk

Downtown Chandler

South of Chandler Blvd. on Arizona AvenueDecember 18, 2015, 6 p.m.

Admit it - you saw the name of this event and were immediately intrigued! Well, dig out your best, ugly holiday sweater and save the date for this month's holiday themed art walk, you won't want to miss it! The soon to be infamous Ugly Holiday Sweater Art Walk will not only feature some great local art perfect for gift giving or adding to your own stash, you'll enjoy sashaying your way through Downtown Chandler and uncovering a number of perfect spots for that awkward family holiday photo. Will you opt for a photo in front of the Tumbleweed Tree or will it be next to Cee Cee the decorated ostrich located outside of Sibley's West: The Chandler and Arizona Gift Shop? In addition to the more than 50 artists who will be displaying their art work available for purchase, caroling, face painting, live music and a special appearance by Santa are all planned for the festive evening that will be fun for all ages.